About the GES Department
The Appalachian State University Geological and Environmental Sciences (GES) Department provides students with a solid foundation on which to build a successful career in the geosciences and environmental sciences.
We are the largest undergraduate geosciences department in the UNC system, and we have been successful in establishing a program that is arguably among the best Bachelor degree programs in earth and environmental sciences available in the southeastern United States.
GES offers the following degree programs and concentrations
- Environmental Science (BS) - Earth Systems Science Concentration
- Environmental Science (BS) - Natural Resources Concentration
- Environmental Science (BS) - Quantitative Environmental Science Concentration
- Geology (BA)
- Geology (BS)
- Geology (BS) - Environmental Geology Concentration
- Geology (BS) - Paleontology Concentration
- Geology (BS) - Quantitative Geoscience Concentration
- Geology (BS) - Earth/Environmental Science, Secondary Education Concentration
See our Get Involved! page for opportunities for GES students in research, outreach, and teaching.
What should I major in?
Many students (and parents) come into our program a bit confused as to what the geosciences and environmental sciences actually are, and what kind of training our programs of study provide. Common questions we answer are:
- "Isn't geology just about rocks?" (no!)
- "What is better for the job I want? A geology degree or an environmental science degree?"
- "What's the difference between environmental studies and environmental science?"
The information on the "What should I major in?" page and our Programs of Study page will help you decide if a degree in Geology, a degree in Environmental Science, or a degree in another program is the right major for you!
If you're not yet sure you want to major in Geology or Environmental Science, take one (or more) of our many General Education classes - learn about water resources, environmental cleanup, dinosaurs, oceanography, natural disasters, energy resources, fossils, and of course... rocks. According to Slate, "Introductory Geology classes are the best science electives" and we certainly agree!
We study more than just rocks!
Geology is about more than just rocks.
Environmental Science is about more than just ecology, policy, or regulations.
Our faculty have expertise in all fields of the Earth and Environmental sciences.
Click on our each of our research programs below to see what we do!
How does the earth move?
Tectonics Research Group:
What processes affect water supply and quality?
Hydrology and Environmental Geology Research Group:
What do fossils tell us?
Paleontology Research Group:
What do landforms tell us? How do humans influence landscapes?
Surface Processes Research Group
What do the minerals in rocks tell us? What is the role they play in the environment?
Mineralogy, Petrology, and Geochemistry Research Group:
How is Earth's climate recorded in minerals, rocks, sediment, water, and ice? How has climate changed through time?
Records of Climate Change Research Group:
What's so special about our department?
Ask A Geologist
You've got questions? We've got answers! Ask A Geologist!
Did you find something that puzzled you in your backyard or on top of a mountain? Have questions about local environmental problems? Want to know about what's going on in Boone Creek, the Watauga River, and the New River? Concerned about fracking in your region? Do you have a mineral that you can't identify? Think you found a meteorite? We will do our best to answer any geological/environmental question. We also have pages that answer some of our most frequently asked questions.
Latest News
Geology major Tucker Terrell receives award at Annual Celebration of Student Research and Creative Endeavors
May 8, 2025
Tucker Terrell, of Burlington, a senior geology-environmental geology major, used ground-penetrating radar to establish the location of burials of ens...
Brian Zimmer receives April 2025 staff shout out
May 2, 2025
A student described Zimmer as "incredibly helpful, down to earth, and exciting." They added, "He made geology very fun and I had an amazing time learn...
$2 million grant funds scholarships, supports STEM education for over 50 App State students
Apr 25, 2025
BOONE, N.C. — A nearly $2 million grant awarded to Appalachian State University by the National Science Foundation (NSF) will help put educational g...
Dr. Jamie Levine receives UNC Board of Governors Award
Apr 3, 2025
Dr. Jamie Levine, professor in App State’s Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, has been a faculty member at App State since 2012. H...
Savannah Devine '22 awarded Jane Grimson Medal of Excellence
Feb 16, 2025
Research Ireland has awarded the prestigious Jane Grimson Medal of Excellence to UCD PhD candidate Savannah Devine....